Karen Bradley "profoundly sorry" for Commons comments

The Secretary of State yesterday said deaths caused by the security forces in Northern Ireland were 'not crimes'

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State has apologised for comments she made over the actions of the security forces during the Troubles.

Yesterday Karen Bradley told MPs in the House of Commons that killings by soldiers were "not crimes".

The statement came a week before soldiers involved in 'Bloody Sunday' will find out if they face prosecution.

It caused widespread outrage, and calls for her resignation from political parties and victims' families.

However in a statement Ms Bradley has now apologised, saying she is "profoundly sorry" for the offence and hurt her words have caused.

Ms Bradley has described her remarks as "deeply insensitive":

"The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones.

"I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered. I share that aim and that is why I launched the public consultation on addressing the legacy of the troubles.

The Secretary of State continued, saying she honours the rule of law:

"My position and the position of this Government is clear. We believe fundamentally in the rule of law. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing this should be pursued without fear or favour whoever the perpetrators might be. That is a principle that underpins our approach to dealing with legacy issues and it is one from which we will not depart."

The statement came a week before soldiers involved in 'Bloody Sunday' will be prosecuted.